If you’re in a truck, chances are you will be spending most of the day out in the summer heat. The chances are high of becoming dehydrated and sunburned, especially on days when the humidity is high. Even if it’s cloudy outside, you could get sunburned. Working in bucket trucks and doing other outside jobs could take its toll on your body.

Protect Your Head and Body

Sun block with high SPF takes some time to work, so about 15 minutes before you head out for the day, apply it to any exposed skin, including your face. Don’t forget your legs if you are wearing shorts. Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, if safety regulations for your job allow it. Also, if you are not required to wear uniforms, choose clothing that wicks away sweat.

Stay Hydrated

It is easy to get dehydrated and some people do not realize they are until they start feeling light-headed or sick. Stay away from soda and other drinks with caffeine, as it makes you more dehydrated. Water or flavored water is the best. Gatorade or other sports drinks with electrolytes are also good to keep your body’s chemicals balanced.

When you get dehydrated from excessive sweating you also lose a lot of sodium in your body. Low sodium will, along with other symptoms, make you feel light-headed. The last thing you want to do is to pass out while you are in the bucket working around electrical wires, or while performing another dangerous job.

Signs of Dehydration

According to eMedicineHealth, some of the signs of dehydration include:

Feeling tired or sleepy

A dry mouth

Increased thirst

Decreased urine output

Headache

Very little urine that is darker than normal

Dry skin

Little to no tears

Dizziness

Low blood pressure when you try to stand or after you lie down

Fever

Rapid heart rate

The skin sinks back to a normal position really slow when you pinch it

Confusion

Lethargy

Coma

Seizures

Shock

Hopefully, you will notice some of the milder symptoms before you get to the more serious ones. However, it has been known for people to not realize they were dehydrated until they suffered some of the more serious symptoms. Being aware of the symptoms will help you realize if you are becoming dehydrated.

Keep Cool

When possible, stay in the shade. If you are working in full sun, be sure to move to the shade or sit in the truck with the air conditioning running when you take breaks. This will help your body keep cool. You may also use “cool towels” around your neck when it is safe to do so.

Drinking a lot of water not only keeps you hydrated but also helps to keep your body temperature down. Be sure to drink plenty of cool water while you are working. If you can’t keep a bottle of water with you while you are doing a specific task, be sure to break often to drink water.